Fríða Björk Ingvarsdóttir rector sent this message to the students and staff here at the IUA at the end of the first week in close down.
We find it important to keep everyone as informed as we can, we are and will try our very best to answear all questions as they come.
Following is the letter from rector Fríða Björk.
Dear students, dear staff.
The week that has passed since we had to abandon operations in the Iceland University of the Arts buildings, as a result of the spread of Covid19, has undermined many of the traditions that we see as the core of university life. Nonetheless student's and staff's work has exceded our greatest expectations under those challenging circumstances. That is primarily a result of staff's and student's competence and dedication to their work, and I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you all.
In a matter of days we have all had to rethink our roles and approaches to our daily tasks. Our common goal is to enable students to finish the term and to make sure graduation will proceed according to plan in June. We are confident that our common efforts will allow us to succeed even though the task is daunting.
Iceland's minister of Education and culture, Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, has called together a number of meetings for the university sector to make sure information is passed on and action plans carried out. The minister has also shown an important initiative in opening a dialogue on the situation facing independent artists, who's income is jeopardised by congregation ban. We must assume that plans to alleviate the difficulties faced by society now, give hope for a speedy recovery when this situation is over.
As it is not clear when the measures that have been taken by the government will come to an end, there are still unforeseen challenges to be faced. Therefore it is neccessary to emphasise the importance of solidarity concerning what lies ahead. I also encourage you all to take as good care of yourselves and those closest to you as possible, to maintain your daily schedule, exercise and be patient when implimenting new working methods.
This week has proven that plans made within departments and study programmes at the IUA have enabled us to continue our work. Because of the unpredictability of this process, we may need to revise some elements of our plans before the end of term but we will make sure you are informed.
And again, thank you all for your understanding and cooperation, with warm regards.
Friða Björk Ingvarsdóttir
Rector at IUA